Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has described the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as an enemy of the North.
Akume's spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, in a statement on Saturday, said the SGF spoke at a pre-campaign meeting with Benue State indigenes residing in Kaduna.
Akume said Atiku's ambition is against the interest of the North.
"2027: Atiku is North's enemy," Akume declared.
The former Benue State governor said the North should not support Atiku's presidential ambition because it would truncate rotational presidency and deny the region a chance to reclaim power.
He said President Bola Tinubu deserves support to complete eight years, after which power will return to the North.
Akume urged northern leaders to rally behind Tinubu and reject Atiku, who he said does not mean well for the region.
Reactions have trailed Akume's comment, with many describing it as a political move to weaken Atiku's base in the North.